NASA spacecraft photographed traces of the movement of the glacier on Mars
(ORDO NEWS) — Mars, our neighbor planet, has long attracted the attention of scientists and astronomers. Due to its resemblance to Earth and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, it has become the subject of intense study and research. Recent discoveries have shed light on the planet’s past, showing that the once vibrant and dynamic world is frozen in time.
Evidence of the ancient climate of Mars can be found in the features of its surface. River beds, alluvial deposits, lake beds – all this indicates that at that time water flowed freely on the surface of the planet. But what led to such drastic changes? Scientists believe that about 4 billion years ago, Mars underwent changes that turned it into the cold and dry environment that we see today.
Ice Ages on Mars
One of the most intriguing aspects of Mars’ history is the possibility of ice ages. Images taken by NASA‘s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft show the presence of glaciers on the planet’s surface. These glaciers resemble terrestrial objects formed as a result of the retreat of ice flows during interglacial periods.
The High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard the MRO has captured a striking image of glacial deposits on Mars. This image shows linear ridges, exposed rock fragments, and the filling of adjacent craters and valleys. Like Earth, these features indicate that Mars experienced periods of cooling and warming that coincided with changes in its climate.
Axial tilt and climate change
Scientists believe that variations in the axial tilt of Mars, similar to the orientation of the Earth, have played a significant role in these climatic fluctuations. During colder periods, ice flows advanced and expanded, carrying rocks and soil out of the landscape. As the ice melted and sublimated, the glaciers retreated, leaving behind long ridges and concentrated minerals.
The dynamic climate of Mars
These images serve as a reminder that the climate of Mars is very dynamic both in the past and in the present. Despite the dramatic changes that have occurred to it over billions of years, Mars still retains signs of its once vibrant nature. However, the cooling of the planet’s core and the loss of the global magnetic field led to the gradual destruction of the atmosphere by the solar wind. This led to global cooling and the disappearance of water on the surface, which eventually turned Mars into the cold and desolate world we know today.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, NASA planetary scientist, explains: “Evidence of ice ages on Mars is critical to understanding the history of the planet’s climate. By studying these features, we can gain valuable insights into how Mars evolved and what factors contributed to its current state.”
Professor James Thompson, an expert in planetary geology, adds: “The discovery of glacial deposits on Mars is of great importance to our quest to understand the possibility of life beyond the Earth. These findings indicate that Mars was once a habitable planet with a flowing water, making it a prime candidate for further study.”
Scientists have long assumed that Mars was once very different, with a thicker atmosphere and warmer temperatures. The discovery of surface features reminiscent of ice flows during interglacial periods further supports this hypothesis.
NASA-led missions to Mars, such as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, have provided invaluable data and images that help us understand the planet’s past. These missions continue to unravel the mysteries of Mars and pave the way for future exploration.
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